Vocations

I would like to focus on vocations to the priesthood. To consecrate one’s life to God is a unique and often times daunting proposition. It can be a time of great fear and at the same time it can be a time of wonder, growth, and in many cases a greater understanding of what it means to be Catholic in an ever changing world.

But…

Those men who are looking to enter into the formal service of The LORD need our help and support. They cannot do this alone. Some choose, as the Knights and the Serra Clubs to support financially. It is very necessary and we are proud and very happy to do it. Most of the faithful choose to support prayerfully, which is just as important. They join the service organizations and they give of their prayer life to the encouragement and fostering of the vocation inside each person. That is certainly important and one of the main goals of the Knights of Columbus.

The understanding of the priesthood has seemingly changed over the years, but it ultimately remains the same. The role of the priest is first to administer the Sacraments. From there everything else in his priesthood flows. And it is from there that we should start with our support. We need priests. The ministerial priesthood is necessary. Over the last 50 years we have seen the number of priests tumble. This has put undue stress on those priests who have been ordained and we can help to alleviate that stress. We should be talking with our young men and encouraging them to try their vocation. We must help our ministerial priests to bolster their numbers again.

Make no mistake, there is a sacrifice involved. The life of a priest is not easy. It is not for the faint of heart and it is not for the weak willed. The life of a priest is for a strong man who can relate to all Catholics on a multitude of levels. The old tome is 100% accurate, “The parish priest will baptize you, marry you, and bury you.” While the times are tough socially for those who are trying their vocation, we must stand tall and stand with those men prayerfully as they ascertain if the priesthood is right for them.

Please pray for vocations daily.

May God keep you close and the next time you see Father Reynolds or any priest, thank him for his service to Holy Mother Church! Vivat Jesus!